Record Reviews

BOB GLUCK ~ INFINITE SPIRIT: REVISITING MUSIC OF THE MWANDISHI BAND FMR 398 (Barcode: 649849982254) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is a fascinating album by American pianist / composer / electronic music performer and composer / educator / writer and a former Rabbi Bob GluckFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, bassist Christopher Dean SullivanFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist, which as the title suggests, revisits the music performed and recorded by the Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist sextet, often called the Mwandishi Band after the title of their seminal album "MwandishiFind albums with this title", the first of three albums the ensemble recorded, which includes also "CrossingsFind albums with this title" and "SextantFind albums with this title". Hancock formed this band in the early 1970s after he left the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist group, where he played for many years. Gluck wrote and published the book entitled "You´ll Know When You Get There: Herbie Hancock And The Mwandishi Band", where he analyzes the music and it´s hardly surprising he also created a musical facet of his fascination with this subject. By drafting two of the original members of the sextet: Henderson and Hart to take part in this project, Gluck is able to get as close to the source of this music as possible, without engaging Hancock himself of course. The album presents just five lengthy pieces, two of which were composed by Hancock, two others by Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist (one features an introduction composed by Gluck) and just one is an original composition by Sullivan, which means that most of the music originates from the Mwandishi output. The overall modus operandi, i.e. openness, lengthy improvisations, minimalism and introspection, and above all an atmospheric approach to music creation, which of course is a much more European way of doing things, and finally the use of electronics (which on the original recordings was created by Patrick Gleason) lead to what Gluck obviously intended: a revisit of the Mwandishi music, but also a tribute to one of the most fascinating chapters of the American Jazz idiom, and sadly perhaps one of the last contributions to the genre originating on US soil. The music is of course everything one might hope for. Brilliantly performed by all four participants, it flows elegantly and yet also passionately from start to finish, leaving the listener wishing for more when the music is over. Despite their age Henderson and Hart are still very much the Masters they always were, Sullivan provides the anchor for the music with his steady pulsations, and his original composition fits the Mwandishi music ideally. Gluck´s piano and electronics create the frame which defines the melodic and harmonic structures and he wisely eschews imitating Hancock in any way, making his own statements. Overall this is an album which besides presenting some fascinating music has also an educational message and pays tribute to the glorious history of the Jazz idiom. Highly recommended!

Updated: 29/04/2016Posted: 29/04/2016

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TOMEK GROCHOT ~ IN AMERICA NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 - 2016 Released: 2016 This is the second album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Tomek GrochotFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quintet setting with veteran American trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Rob DentyFind albums by this artist, and Polish pianist Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist and bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, six composed by Grochot and one by Pabian. Of the album´s seven tracks, six were recorded in 2011, i.e. five years prior to the album´s release, and one short bonus track is a recent recording from 2016. The music is typical mainstream Jazz, very much in the American Jazz tradition, based on the excellent compositions, which are used as vehicles for solo spots by the quintet members. The character of the compositions reflects the Polish facet of this music, being full of melancholy and lyricism, which is best expressed by the exceptional playing by Wania. But of course all the performances are highly professional and overall the album represents mainstream Jazz at its best. This album is plain evidence of the fact that Polish and American Jazz musicians can play together without any inferiority complexes hindering the proceedings, as well as the fact that American Jazz tradition spiced with Polish musical influences works out perfectly, a cultural meeting which is happening more and more often in the last decade with remarkable success. Overall this is a highly professional mainstream recording, which should satisfy a wide range of Jazz fans anywhere on the globe. Great tunes, exciting soloing and polished execution ensure that the album delivers exactly what is expected in such circumstances. Definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 27/03/2017Posted: 27/03/2017

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ CROSSINGS WARNER BROS. 47542 (Barcode: 093624754220) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2001 CrossingsFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s last album for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the 2nd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and continued with SextantFind albums with this title after Hancock switched labels to ColumbiaFind albums on this label. The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessor, with long (this time the longest track is almost 25 minutes long) atmospheric compositions which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed the central piece and Maupin the two additional tunes. Hancock, who was always extremely aware of the latest developments on the music scene as well as open-minded, invited the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist to play the Moog synthesizer on this album, which added a new dimension to the music, which sounds even more contemplative and spiritual. The resulting sound vistas are truly amazing. This is visionary music in every respect, touching the listener on every plane of awareness – esthetic, emotional and intellectual. Another essential classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ IN CONCERT IMAGE 89410 (Barcode: 743218941092) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 Master pianist / composer Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist needs no introduction to any Jazz fan and his 5th decade of continuously splendid musical creation continues (thank God) uninterrupted to this very day. Although Hancock´s recorded output is enormous, finding his work on film / DVD is another matter, therefore this excellently filmed / recorded concert is quite a find. Produced by the BET on Jazz (and released in the US as "The Jazz Channel Presents Herbie Hancock"), the concert captures Hancock playing acoustic piano with a sextet, which includes Eli DegibriFind albums by this artist on sax (great young Israeli player), Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Ira ColemanFind albums by this artist on bass, Terri Lynne CarringtonFind albums by this artist on drums and Cyro BaptistaFind albums by this artist on percussion. The music includes a nice mixture of standards and Hancock´s own excellent compositions, which by now are also recognized as standards, all played with the usual (or rather unusual) brilliant and highly sensitive touch, which is so rare and precious. All the musicians are first class players (Carrington´s drumming is a true marvel) and they get plenty of opportunity to solo, which is always welcome. Overall this is a great opportunity to watch (and hear) the great master at work, captured here for posterity. The DVD also includes an interview with Hancock, which is always a welcome addition. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 105 minutes.

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HERBIE HANCOCK ~ MWANDISHI WARNER BROS. 47541 (Barcode: 093624754121) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001 Following his departure from the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist established his own sextet, which would serve as his musical vehicle in the next step of his explorations. The sextet included Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums. Hancock recorded three revolutionary and visionary albums with this group, before changing his chameleon-like path again, this time into funk. These three albums were MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title released on Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and his ColumbiaFind albums on this label debut SextantFind albums by this artist. The extraordinary music present on these albums is the next step in the future of Jazz, the creation of a multi-genre Fusion, which “genetically spliced” Jazz with Rock, Funk and World Music, creating a new musical universe. In fact one should see these recordings in the right perspective, comparing it to the music Miles Davis was creating (from Bitches BrewFind albums with this title onward) and his disciples: John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist with Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist and Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist with Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Herbie Hancock with his sextet. All this music (created roughly at the same time) falls beautifully into place supplementing the big picture. Of course one should always credit it as much to its wonderfully talented creators as to their Mentor Miles Davis. The music on Mwandishi is beautifully atmospheric. The unusually (for Jazz) long tracks (one over 21 minutes and the two others over 10 minutes long) leave plenty of space for group improvisation and generous solo space for all the musicians. Hancock sticks to the electric piano, by now mastering the instrument to perfection. He composed two of the tracks and Priester the remaining one. A few guest musicians, including SantanaFind albums by this artist’s percussionist Jose AreasFind albums by this artist and drummer Leon ChanclerFind albums by this artist contribute their input. This music can be heard time after time, revealing new emotions and hidden treasures every time. An essential classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ SEXTANT COLUMBIA 64983 (Barcode: 5099706498322) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 1998 SextantFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s debut album for ColumbiaFind albums on this label (an association that would last for three decades) and the 3rd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title recorded for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessors, with long atmospheric compositions, which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed all the music on this album and again included in the recording the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist, who plays the Moog synthesizer. The music continues the direction pioneered by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with modal compositions and usage of electric instruments, but is spiced it with the addition of African rhythms and funk (to be expanded in the next edition of his group and the recording of the legendary Head HuntersFind albums with this title album), creating a highly expressionist soundscapes of rare beauty. Visionary music and another essential classic!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ CANTABILE IN G-MINOR MULTIKULTI MPJ 004 (Barcode: 5907529223642) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2011 This is an album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with celebrated American trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of ten original compositions, all by Kulakowski. The music was recorded in 2006 but released only in 2011. The music is set well within the mainstream Jazz boundaries, with clear melodic themes and pretty straightforward improvisations, all very well performed by the quartet members, but hardly innovative or challenging. Kulakowski is a very skilled weaver of melodies, and his slow melancholic themes are usually more moving than the mid to up-tempo numbers. All the players are of course very experienced performers and the overall level of personal output is excellent. Piotr Kulakowski plays some beautiful bass riffs and holds the quartet together and Pelc is always doing what is expected of him in every situation. Leszek Kulakowski is a charmer, as usual, and his delicate piano chords and solo parts are heartwarming. Henderson, after playing Funk and Jazz-Rock Fusion for many years, is back as a Post-bop player, doing a splendid job both on trumpet and Flugelhorn. However, in comparison to many Polish Jazz trumpeters, who appeared on the scene in recent years, his performances quite honestly a bit pale as to what one might expect. All in all this is a fine mainstream album, which many Jazz fans should be able to enjoy and one that is definitely worth discovering. Perhaps not the strongest statement by Kulakowski to date, but this is definitely a valuable component of his splendid legacy so far.

Updated: 15/11/2019Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

COURTNEY PINE ~ MODERN DAY JAZZ STORIES ANTILLES 731452902825 (Barcode: 731452902825) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1996 This is an album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Courtney PineFind albums by this artist, recorded in the US with American musicians: keyboardist Geri AllenFind albums by this artist, bassist Charnette MoffettFind albums by this artist and drummer Ronnie BurrageFind albums by this artist and British turntablist DJ PogoFind albums by this artist. Three guest musicians appear on selected tracks: trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, vocalist Cassandra WilsonFind albums by this artist and guitarist Mark WhitfieldFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, ten of which are original compositions by Pine, one is co-composed by him and Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, one is by Gary BartzFind albums by this artist and one is a standard. The album is heavily influenced by various manifestations of “Black Music”, which include Hip Hop, Blues, Soul and other stylistic indices, which are more obvious in the various production aspects of this album than in his playing. His performances are brilliant as always and he remains one of the top British Jazz musicians, despite the fact that his popularity has somewhat weakened following his sensational debut success in the mid-1980s. Overall, although the album fails to present a focused musical direction, it nevertheless offers a splendid collection of original compositions and stunning saxophone performances by Pine. The American team, comprising of top Jazz performers, accompanies him amicably and the result is definitely worth exploring.

Updated: 10/11/2024Posted: 09/11/2024

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GROVER WASHINGTON, JR. ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979244825 (Barcode: 886979244825) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 - 1999 Released: 2011 This Box Set includes all the albums released by US saxophonist / composer Grover Washington, Jr.Find albums by this artist on the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label, which spanned the last decade and a half of his life, untimely cut short by his tragic and unexpected death. Washington, primarily known as the Godfather of Smooth Jazz was in fact a gifted Jazz musician with a career spanning almost forty years, which slowly shifted from mainstream Jazz towards Jazz-Funk and Soul-Jazz. He enjoyed immense popularity amongst non-Jazz music lovers, but his true Jazz spirit was always a part of his milieu, especially when examined in retrospect. The Columbia recordings present a wide range of stylistically diverse settings, moving between Funk, Soul-Jazz and mainstream Jazz, which is rarely associated with his legacy. Some superb players took part in these recordings, such as trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, pianists Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and Hank JonesFind albums by this artist, bassists Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and George MrazFind albums by this artist, drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist and many, many more. Washington plays alto, tenor and soprano saxophones with mastery skill and fluency and his improvisational abilities are beyond reproach. Of course many hardcore Jazz listeners will find this music way to "easy going" for their ears, but many will also be surprised by the Artistry Washington presents often on these albums. Listeners, who like the easier side of Jazz, should find this stuff absolutely delightful. Whatever one´s opinion of Washington´s music may be, one must admit that he certainly was one of the most influential musicians in the 1980s and 1990s. This Box Set, with the original albums mini-sleeved and an informational liner notes included is definitely worth investigating.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend